Bitterroot National Forest Now in ‘Very High’ Fire Danger

The Bitterroot National Forest has now raised the fire danger to "Very High," one step below Extreme, which is a danger level that some Idaho forests have recently reached.

Tod McKay of the Bitterroot Forest noted in a news release that the conditions of the forest, along with predicted thunderstorms this weekend (August 6 and 7), have caused concern.

So far this year, there have been 11 human-caused fires and 10 lightning-caused fires. Only two have not been extinguished and we know their names - the Observation Fire and the Roaring Lion Fire.

However, the most recent human-caused fire was caught this week up Lost Horse Canyon. Early investigation points to an abandoned campfire. It had grown to a quarter acre in size before crews from the Roaring Lion fire put it out.

The latest measurement of the Roaring Lion Fire puts it at 7,752, growing 500 acres since Wednesday.

A public meeting is planned for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church, 601 West Main in Hamilton.